Legislators are back in Raleigh- but slow to get started

Governor’s State of the State

On Wednesday night, Governor McCrory delivered his State of the State and outlined five top priorities. Among these priorities, were healthcare, military, and public safety. Under his priorities for healthcare, the Governor would like to see a provider driven, patient focused system when reforming Medicaid. He also touched on Medicaid expansion and commented that he wanted to see a North Carolina specific plan, not one developed by Washington. Additionally, the Governor spoke highly on combating addiction in our state- even saying that we need to do more to prevent the problem.

Finally, Governor McCrory talked about a newly created Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (see more on this plan) and creating two more Veteran Treatment Courts. We were thrilled that so many of our issues were touched on in the speech and hope to work with the Governor’s staff on the roles that social workers plan in health care, public safety, and working with our military families and Veterans.

Introduced Bills of Interest

House Bill 10 Correction Enterprises/Medicaid Sales: This bill would allow for eye glasses to be sold to providers to provide eyeglasses for children on Medicaid and NC Health Choice.

House Bill 27 Reenact EITC: This bill would reinstate the state Earned Income Tax Credit that was eliminated in the 2013 Legislative Session.

Senate Bill 2 Magistrates Recusal of Civil Ceremonies: This bill allows magistrates and registers of deeds to recuse themselves of not performing civil ceremonies that would be against their own religious beliefs.

Social Work Advocacy Day

Join us and hundreds of social workers on Wednesday, March 25th at the NC General Assembly to advocate for the profession! Learn the skills of advocacy, hear from other social workers in policy, and meet with your legislators for this one day event. Registration and more details can be found on our website!

Other Upcoming Advocacy Days

NC Women United Women’s Advocacy Day Reception, Monday, February 23rd at 18 Seaboard in Raleigh, NC from 5:30-7:00. This event is free.

NC Women United Women’s Advocacy Day, Tuesday, February 24th at the NC General Assembly in Raleigh, NC. Register online!

Coalition on Aging, Advocacy Week, Monday, February 23rd-27th in your hometown and at the NC General Assembly. More details to come!